vintage - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
vintage Word Meanings
- of high quality, especially from a past era
- a collection of previously produced wines
- the time a wine was produced
vintage Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
vintage Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈvɪntɪdʒ/
US
/ˈvɪntɪdʒ/
vintage Word Etymology
vin- (wine) + -tage (related to the process) from Latin 'vinum' (wine) → Old French 'vintige' → English. Picture a vineyard where grapevines cascade down a hill, representing the rich history of wine production, with the harvest bringing forth a bounty of quality vintages.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Vintage is an English word with two main senses. As an adjective it describes objects of high quality that come from a past era, such as a well-made coat or a classic car. As a noun it often refers to a batch of wine produced in a specific year, or to the year itself. Vintage is commonly used in fashion, interiors, and collecting to signal a refined, historic character rather than mere antiquity. Learners may misinterpret vintage as simply old or out of date, and may confuse the wine sense with the general notion of age. Understanding the link between era, production, and value helps avoid mistakes.
Usage Reminders
- - Use vintage to imply high quality and history, not just old age.
- - Reserve noun usage for wines; adjectives for items like clothing or cars.
- - Pair with year or era when possible (a vintage 1965 jacket).
- - Be aware of regional fashion senses (vintage vs antique).
- - Check the context to choose whether a sense is about quality or a wine's year.
Common Misconceptions
- Vintage means simply old or outdated.
- All vintage items are valuable or desirable.
- Vintage and antique mean the same thing.
- It only refers to fashion and decor, not wine.
- Vintage always implies a specific year.
Thinking Differences
For English learners, vintage often confuses two senses: quality from an older era vs the wine year. In practice, many learners treat vintage as simply old, misreading it as antique or outdated. Focus on collocations with year or era and on contexts like fashion or wine to choose the right sense.
Learning Tips
- memorize the two core senses: quality from past era and wine year.
- link vintage with year or era for clarity.
- distinguish from antique by context (modern usage rarely means immediate old).
- use with fashion and wine contexts to reinforce sense.
- avoid translating as 'old' alone; think of value and history.
- practice listening for collocations like vintage year, vintage clothing.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'vintage' used correctly?
A.He wanted a modern car, not a vintage one.
B.She bought a vintage car at the auction.
C.The new phone was vintage and expensive.
D.She found a vintage phone at the store.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'vintage'?
A.Modern
B.Ancient
C.Unique
D.Empty
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is an antonym of 'vintage'?
A.Happy
B.Broken
C.Wide
D.New
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you find 'vintage' items?
A.Supermarket
B.Hardware store
C.Antique store
D.Pet shop
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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